Movement facilitating services in New Haven
In the realm of 19th and early 20th century American clockmaking, a tall case clock fitted with a New Haven Clock Company movement is a fascinating testament to the era's craftsmanship. Established in 1853 in New Haven, Connecticut, the New Haven Clock Company quickly rose to become one of the country's largest clock manufacturers.
## The Legacy of New Haven Clock Company
New Haven Clock Company produced a diverse range of clocks, including tall case clocks, shelf clocks, regulators, and later wristwatches and pocket watches. Their influence on the industry was significant, lasting well into the early 1900s.
## Movement Packages and Tall Case Clocks
Many American tall case clocks, especially from the late 1800s, were constructed using a combination of locally made or purchased cases and imported or factory-made movements. New Haven Clock Company supplied both finished clocks and movements for sale to retailers or other manufacturers for assembly outside the factory. These "movement packages" allowed for the creation of unique-looking tall case clocks with standardized, reliable movements.
## Typical Origin and Features
- Origin: Clocks with New Haven movements are typically American in origin, especially if the case is also made in the United States. - Dates: Tall case clocks with New Haven movements are most often found from the 1880s to the early 1900s. - Price: In the 1880s, some tall case clocks were offered for $55.00, reflecting their quality and craftsmanship. - Styles: These clocks often feature classic Victorian or Federal styles, with cases commonly made from oak, walnut, or mahogany. - Identification: Inventory numbers and catalog references can help identify specific models and their production years.
## The Current Condition and Inspection
Recently, a tall case clock with a New Haven movement was inspected. The movement, a spring-driven count wheel time and strike, is commonly found in export clocks. During disassembly and assessment, three anomalies were discovered: an additional piece soldered onto the escape wheel bridge, two pieces of brass jammed into the arbour, and the mainsprings could not be removed.
The arbour was bent, which was not discovered during the mainspring replacement. Upon polishing the pivots, the bent arbour, the second wheel, was uncovered. A 1.50 mm ID Bergeon bushing was installed on the escape wheel bridge to rectify the issue.
The movement has been running for a week and striking as expected. The case, however, is very dirty with over 100 years of grime. The strike side mainspring is a replacement, possibly damaged due to a mainspring break. The clock has a 27-inch pendulum, corresponding to 4350 beats per hour or 72.5 beats per minute (BPM).
## The Future of the Clock
The movement has continued to run for at least two more 8-day cycles before being returned to its case. The case will be refreshed to see what lies underneath the dirt. As the clock is further examined and restored, more insights into its history and the New Haven Clock Company's influence on American clockmaking will undoubtedly emerge.
Clocks made with New Haven Clock Company movements are collectible due to their historical significance and the company's reputation for quality. If you own an unknown tall case clock with a New Haven movement, checking for a manufacturer’s label, serial number, or catalog reference can help pinpoint its origin and era. Additionally, consulting vintage catalogs or auction listings may provide further details and valuation guidance.
In the contemporary world, enthusiasts of vintage gadgets and smart-home devices might appreciate the integration of a restored New Haven Clock Company movement, known for its reliability and provenance, into a modern, technologically advanced wall clock. The fusion of antique craftsmanship and contemporary innovation could create an intriguing conversation piece.
The legacy of the New Haven Clock Company extends beyond the realm of traditional timekeeping. Their impact on the industry, as demonstrated by the variety of clocks produced and the network of movement packages sold to retailers, suggests that they could have played an early role in the evolution of the modern smart-home market, where various devices work together to automate tasks, much like the coordinated mechanism of a clock.
